HouseChalk
Capillary action
Capillary action is water moving through tiny gaps and pores, even upward, like a paper towel soaking up a spill.
Why it matters
Capillary action can pull water into wood, concrete, and wall assemblies even when nothing looks like it is leaking.
Where people get this wrong
Water does not only move downhill. Capillary action can move water sideways or up. Caulk does not stop capillary action forever because materials move and cracks form.
Real-world example
You see paint bubbling near the bottom of a wall. No obvious leak shows up. Water may be wicking up from wet trim or wet concrete by capillary action.
Where this hits your build
This affects how your home handles water. Water damage is one of the most expensive problems to fix, and it often starts with details that seem small.
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